AN: Here's another chapter! Thanks to Andelin for following and to Nasha321 for reviewing. Chapter 2 deals with Kathyrn dealing with Robert being back and w see Liam's jealousy. I reccomend listening to Oh Brother by Saint Raymond while reading this chapter!
Robert was alive. Somehow, he survived and was back after all this time. This was the first thing that occurred to Kathryn when she woke up late the next morning. But that thought was immediately overtaken by the slight feeling of nausea that washed over her when she sat up. In a cruel twist of irony, Kathryn had the terrible suspicion she was pregnant and not just by anyone. But by Liam, who besides being a prince was also the brother of her ex-boyfriend who until last night had she assumed was dead. Luckily for her, she didn't have too much time to let this detail panic her because she had to race across her flat to the bathroom. She leaned over the bowl and felt whatever contents she had left come up from her stomach. When she had finished retching, she leaned back and wiped her mouth clean and waited for the dizziness to pass.
"Not good." She muttered, "definitely not good."
The last thing she wanted to do was go to work today and be on her feet all day. She pushed herself up off the floor and found her phone on the counter where she left it last night. She pulled up her sister's contact who owed her for yesterday anyway.
"Do you know what time it is?" Angie groused from the other end, her voice thick with sleep.
"I know I'm sorry. Could you please take my shift today I'm begging you." She pleaded softly, her throat a little dry from getting sick. "I-I think I'm coming down with something."
Angie groaned. "Really?"
Kate nodded to herself, knowing there was no way she could deal with feeling sick and being stressed about Liam and Robert. And she couldn't definitely deal with the distinct possibility that she could pregnant.
"Please I feel awful and you owe me."
"Fine." The other Davis sister sighed dramatically. "But don't say I never did anything for you."
A small smile pulled at her face. "Thanks, Ang."
"Yeah, no problem. Feel better."
Once they had hung up Kate made her way to the stove, filling the kettle and waiting for it to boil. She found herself running her hand across her stomach. Everything felt normal underneath the blue nightshirt she had pulled on after Liam left. No signs that anything was even wrong with her. It wasn't like the movies where the girl finds herself suddenly too large for her jeans or craving pickles. It was much more subtle. First, she had been a day or two late, nothing unusual after all she had been known to take a birth control pill a day late every now or again and her period had always been finicky. But then it was her breasts they were sore, but surely it was a sign that her period was just taking its time, a breakout would probably pop up next. By then she had noticed that in the morning breakfast seemed to be the last thing on her mind, the idea of eating anything seemed off-putting. Then it had hit her a week ago that she had yet to get her period. It was late, 4 weeks and counting. She had vaguely remembered a few weeks back that Liam nicked the condom with his fingernail while putting it on but had noticed it only after they had finished. Neither had been too worried because the tear was small and she was on the pill. But now, almost a month and a half later she regretted not being more concerned.
On the counter next to her, her phone buzzed and a text appeared on her lockscreen.
Good morning, I just wanted to make sure you were alright after last night. I know it was bit of a shock.
Hope you're well.
She picked her mug up, letting it warm her fingers and smiled slightly. She knew it was Robbie right away even without a name saved for the number. He had always been so formal and polite just in case their texts ever got out to the media. She didn't respond right away, all she could picture was Liam's face when she had hugged his brother last night. It was the same look she had seen him try to hide over a year ago when the brothers had first visited the pub. Right after Robert had asked to see a rare wine. It was a mix of jealousy and resentment. He had always put his brother, the heir to the throne, first. But after the accident, it had finally been his chance to be the important one. But last night Kathryn saw that all too familiar look on his face and knew that he recognized that his place was in his brother's shadow once more.
Then she thought of Robert and how thrilled he seemed to see her last night, and the text he sent her. He cared about her while they were dating, even if it was extremely secretive. However, she always aware that she wasn't by definition "good enough" to be dating the future king of England. But with Liam, none of that seemed to matter. Of course, he was no longer next in line to the throne but her status never seemed to bother him like it did Robert. Liam also took things much less seriously. She had never felt the need to be someone she wasn't around him. When she had first started seeing him she couldn't but wonder if it was him she had been meant to be with.
"Get a grip Kathryn, you're being ridiculous." She scolded herself. "You can't let this continue."
It didn't matter who she had feelings for, or who made her happy. She couldn't and wouldn't let herself come between brothers, especially when they had been apart for so long. All that mattered was that Robert was home and safe. Of course, this would have been easier is she wasn't 90% sure she was pregnant. There wasn't exactly a guidebook for what to expect when you're potentially expecting the child of your assumedly dead ex-boyfriend's, brother, who also happens to be a Prince. Her situation was so unlikely and also made for a terribly long book title. Finishing the last of her tea, she made up her mind.
She would take both of the tests she bought in a bit. If the tests were negative, which a large but obviously in still in denial part of her wanted, she would leave both brothers alone and put this behind her for good. That way no would get hurt and the truth would never come out, meaning Robert and Liam's family could reunite in peace like they deserved. But if the tests were positive she would tell Liam when she found the courage too. After all, he did have the right to know, and they would go from there. Hopefully, finding a solution where no one would get hurt. She still wasn't sure if she wanted to keep it or not, but hopefully Liam would be supportive of whatever she decided.
Kate stood from the table and filled a glass with water and took a long sip, preparing herself to take the tests. She sighed, running her hand through her hair.
"You have to find out sooner or later."
The palace that morning was full of excited energy and chaos. Helena was in her element, organizing and preparing for today's press conference. Today the Henstridge legacy would be restored to its former glory. It would be revealed to the press and to the world that Liam and Eleanor were, in fact, the biological children of King Simon and that Robert the monarchy's lost son, had returned. And while all this did excite Liam he still felt a sense of loss as he got dressed that morning. Of course, he was grateful and thrilled to have his brother back. However, everything he had worked so hard for since his father's death wouldn't matter. He would lose some of the respect he had gained, the support of the people that came from the #KingLiam phenomenon and of course he had already lost Kathryn.
"Big day today, isn't Sparrow?"
Liam looked up from the mirror where he was fixing his tie and saw Robert's reflection. He was dressed in his military uniform and it was like he had never left. Suddenly, Liam was just the spare and half expected his father to walk past the open door. From the people's prince to the spare in the shadows all in a few hours. This feeling of resentment made him feel guilty, he should be thankful his brother was alive but a small part of him could only be bitter.
"Yeah, it sure is." He agreed, looking back into the mirror. "Nervous?"
Robert shrugged. "I've dreamt about this day for months."
"I'm sure you have, everyone will hardly be able to contain themselves. The people will be ecstatic."
"I know Mum is, have you seen her today? She's more in control than ever."
Liam couldn't help but smile, he had noticed that his mother seemed happier than she had been for a while. Eleanor was the same, this brightness about them had been brought back, something he hadn't seen since his father died.
"Well, she's missed you." He replied and then as an after though he tacked on, "We all have missed you."
Robert was now wandering his room, picking up and the setting down objects from Liam's desk and shelves. An old habit that always irritated him and one that he swore Robert did just to get under his skin.
"You think Kate missed me?"
Liam bristled and turned from the mirror. "I don't know."
The older brother was now leaning against the wall. "I mean did you see her face? She looked like she saw a ghost, not that I blame her."
How could he have not seen her face? Green eyes wide and full of shock, mouth opened in a gasp, it was the same face he had woken up earlier that day. The same face that made him a mess but reassured him at the same. When he looked back to his brother he saw that he was still talking.
"It wasn't exactly how I wanted it to go but, Jesus Liam, you don't understand. I mean naturally, the idea of you and Len and our parents kept me going. But Kate, I promised her I'd be back so I knew I had to try for her. I didn't realize how lucky I was to have her until I lost her."
The lovesick look on his brother's face made him shift his eyes to the floor. He felt guilty that he had been seeing the girl that kept his brother alive and fighting but also bitter and angry. Liam had always realized just how extraordinary she was, unlike Robert who had called bagsy on her just because she was attractive when they visited her father's pub.
"She was just surprised." Liam offered, tired of hearing his brother talk about her. "Maybe you should give her space."
Robert leaned into the mirror, smoothing his hair. "I texted her this morning to check in on her."
"And?" His tone was surprisingly short but his brother didn't seem to notice.
"No reply. Yet. She could be at work or not recognize the number anymore. Either way, I'm not too worried."
Liam folded his arms over his chest. "And why's that?"
"Well if she isn't seeing anyone I want to try to be better to her. You know, start over now that I've gained some perspective."
"O-Oh, so you're going to see her soon?"
"I imagine it'll be a few days, until things settle down, but hopefully, yes."
"Probably for the best, let her get used to the idea."
At least things wouldn't go back entirely to the way they were for a few more days. At least he could process losing Kate before Robert would mention her, or god forbid bring her around. Still, he couldn't help but feel guilty. Even though they had both thought he was dead and had strong feelings for each other it still had been a less than honorable thing to do.
"Besides, I want to spend some time with Mum and Len first and of course with you Liam." Robert gave him a warm smile.
Liam smiled back at him. "I'm sure they'd like that."
There was a short knock at the door and both men turned to see Rachel. "Your Highnesses, your mother and sister are ready for you if you are."
Robert smirked and draped and arm over his younger brother's shoulder. "You ready to watch me give the rest of the world a shock?"
"As ready as I'll ever be." He said softly.
"It's good to be home."
Liam bit his lip, Robert may have been ready to step back into the limelight but he wasn't ready to leave it. He wasn't ready to go back to being the shadows or to lose Kathryn. But as he watched his brother joke with Eleanor he knew deep down, regardless of the sadness he felt that it was for the best. He couldn't make his brother suffer more than he already had. He had to accept his place and what he had to give up.
A few glasses of water and a pep talk later, Kate had finally convinced herself take the tests. Her hands trembled as she sat on her bed, the 5 minutes the tests needed were almost up. She stared at the TV, barely breathing and still in pajamas. There was press conference going on at the palace right now. Eleanor and Liam had been confirmed to be the late King's actual children. Not that this surprised her, Liam had always been too strong willed and passionate to not be the son of a King. And of course, there stood Robbie, larger than life next to his sister. The sight made her dizzy, even though she had known for a few hours. It was still so unbelievable that he was alive. She looked at Liam, who had a smile on his face that didn't quite reach his eyes. Kate had her knees pulled to her chest and her arms wrapped around her legs, the two test sat in front of her. Just as he stepped to the podium her phone beeped and she looked down at the plastic sticks that held her future.
She felt her stomach sink when she stared at the two bold lines on each stick. Tears slipped down her face and her mouth fell open as grief washed over her. It was official, she was pregnant with his child
"Prince Liam, is there anything you'd like to add about what you're feeling today?"
"I can try but words may fail me. But consequently, I've been reprocessing feelings attached to lost today." He looked into the camera, his eyes dull but still the same bright blue she had grown used to seeing in the morning. "All of you have felt it, it's insurmountable when you lose someone you care about."
As he spoke a tear slid down her face, it was as if he was speaking to her. She felt like she had lost him, just like she had lost Robert. But knew as she stared down at the tests that she had to let him go. Her stomach twisted anxiously while watched the two men, in the palace in the roles they were meant to play. These men were meant to be great and wouldn't let herself come between them, no matter how much it would hurt.
Her head spun as she watched saw Robert and Liam and then the tests in front of her. Her past, her present and her future we all recklessly colliding together and she powerless to stop it. Everything had changed in a such a short and she was being dragged along with it.
"I would have given up everything to have my brother back." Liam still spoke on TV. "Thankfully, I didn't have to and after all that we went through when we lost Robert, we feel lucky and immensely grateful to have him back with us."
He gave a tight-lipped smile to the camera before stepping away from the podium. Liam may have felt like he hadn't given up anything, but it felt she had. She had lost so much more than a boyfriend or a friend, she had given up the father of her child before she had the chance to tell him. She was giving up her happiness for the sake of two people cared deeply about. Her hand found her stomach like it had earlier as she watched the two brothers. Robbie was speaking but she wasn't listening she was focused on the younger Henstridge. Literally, he was in his brother's shadow and stared at him with a look of loss on his face. But at the same time, Robert had a smile on his face, the same as his mother and sister.
They looked so happy to be reunited, to finally start healing. As she looked at the tests, Kathryn knew she wouldn't be the one to get in the way of that. Not yet at least.
"I'm going to tell him about this, about you." She murmured. "Just not yet, not until things die down."
"Let's all hope to look back on this event's implications as being more epic than we could ever imagine," Robert spoke boldly and proudly. "Dare I say, we've only just begun."
His words resonated with Kate. Not only would today's events of Robert returning have long-lasting implication for the British monarchy's history, but also for the country. Just as this secret she had would have an effect on her and on Liam. A secret that had ramifications she could only begin to imagine.
A child. The child of a prince and the girl he wasn't supposed to be with, a potential royal. But for now, it was just a secret she would have to keep and figure out the best way to deal with it. That's all she could do, it was the right thing to.
"I just don't want anyone to get hurt. And I won't."
As she made this promise to herself she wiped her eyes. She wouldn't allow herself to cause Liam or Robert any more pain, even if that meant she had to take all of the burden onto her shoulders by herself.
AN: Well Kathyrn is defineltey pregnant and doesn't want to come between the brothers. What should she do? Liam is also struggling with his brother's return and misses Kate! The next chapter should be up sometime this week. I'll fix any typos later. Please, please, please review it motivates me to write. Thank you!